The City of Chicago, Chicago Public Schools (CPS), and the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) announced the expansion of its Sustainable Community Schools (SCS) model, growing from 20 to 36 participating schools across the city. Launched in 2018 as a joint initiative between CPS and CTU, the SCS model centers community voice and collaboration to address both academic and non-academic needs. The model pairs schools with community-based organizations to provide integrated support, including health and wellness services, trauma-informed care, restorative justice practices, and expanded after-school learning. With this expansion, 16 additional schools, including the Cesar E. Chavez Multi-Cultural Academic Center and the Belmont-Cragin Elementary School, will begin implementing the SCS model, receiving resources and partnership support that enhance student learning, promote family engagement, and strengthen school-community ties.  The Board of Education affirmed this vision by passing a resolution in December 2023, officially naming Community Schools a strategic priority within CPS’s Success 2029: Together We Rise five-year strategic plan. For more information about the Community Schools strategic priority or to read the full list of new schools, visit www.cps.edu.